The Philadelphia Phillies showcased their pitching prowess on Saturday night, shutting out the Atlanta Braves 3-0 in Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS). This victory marked a significant achievement for the Phillies, as the Braves hadn't suffered a shutout at home in over two years.
A collective effort from seven Phillies pitchers limited the Braves to just five hits, setting the tone for the series. Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper, who went 2-for-2 with a home run and two walks, emphasised the team's overall performance: "Good starting pitching, great bullpen, good defence, timely hitting as well. That's a really, really good team over there, so to be able to come in here and steal one from them -- hopefully go right back at them on Monday and get another one."
Game 2 of this best-of-five series is scheduled for Monday night in Atlanta. The Phillies will send Zack Wheeler (13-6, 3.61 ERA) to the mound, while the Braves will counter with Max Fried (8-1, 2.55 ERA), who made a limited number of starts this season due to a forearm injury and a blister.
This NLDS matchup is a rematch of last season's encounter, in which the Phillies defeated the Braves in four games en route to the World Series.
Last season's Game 1 was a high-scoring affair, with the Phillies winning 7-6. In contrast, Saturday's game showcased a different approach, as Philadelphia handed the Braves their first home shutout of the season. Notably, the Braves became the third team in postseason history to be shut out in their playoff opener despite leading the league in runs scored.
Braves manager Brian Snitker acknowledged the need for his team to regroup, stating, "We've got to regroup and come back and win Monday night. We've just got to look forward to the next game."
The Phillies' Ranger Suarez started the game strongly, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out four over 3 2/3 innings. However, Jeff Hoffman (1-0) took over and secured the win despite walking a batter and recording only one out.
The Braves had opportunities with runners on base throughout the game but struggled to capitalise, finishing 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
In the eighth inning, the Braves mounted a potential threat, with runners on first and second, but a spectacular 6-4-3 double play initiated by Trea Turner stifled their momentum.
Craig Kimbrel sealed the win for the Phillies with a perfect ninth inning.
Philadelphia's offence was led by Bryson Stott's RBI single in the fourth inning and Bryce Harper's home run in the sixth. They added an insurance run in the eighth after a catcher's interference call, with Turner and Harper contributing three stolen bases in the inning, setting a franchise record for postseason steals with five in total.
Braves starter Spencer Strider (1-0) delivered a strong performance, allowing just two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out eight over seven innings, but it was not enough to secure a win for Atlanta.
(With inputs from Reuters)
